English Language Paper 2 Complete Guide

Question 2 (8 marks, 10 minutes) focuses on summary and comparison between extracts. Your job is to spot the key differences or similarities without getting bogged down in fancy techniques.

Follow this simple structure: Point + Evidence + Inference + Connective + Summary. Start with "In source A, the focus is..." then grab a quote and explain what it implies. Use connectives like "however" or "similarly" to link to source B, then wrap up with an overall summary.

The golden rule? Stick to inference, not techniques. You're not analysing how writers achieve effects - you're simply comparing what the texts reveal. Think of it like comparing two different news reports about the same event.

Top Tip: Always highlight the focus mentioned in the question - this keeps you on track and prevents you from wandering off-topic.

Question 3 (12 marks, 15 minutes) asks how writers use language techniques. This is where you become a literary detective, hunting for metaphors, alliteration, emotive language, and other devices that create specific effects.

Your formula is: Technique + Evidence + Purpose + Effect. Pick 3-4 strong quotes, identify the language methods used, then dig deep into what you can infer. Always finish by considering the reader's response - how does this technique make us feel?

Question 4 (16 marks, 20 minutes) compares writers' perspectives and attitudes. You're comparing how two different writers feel about their topics and how they express these feelings through their writing choices.

Structure each paragraph around: Writer's attitude + Reference + Inference + Technique + Effect. This helps you balance content analysis with technical understanding whilst keeping the writers' viewpoints at the centre of your response.